Ground beef products from Alberta plant recalled in E. coli scare

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public, distributors and food service establishments not to consume, sell, or serve several brands of ground beef from XL Foods of Alberta because the products may be contaminated with E. coli.

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning against the consumption of several brands of ground beef from XL Foods of Alberta because of possible E.coli contamination.

The beef was sold under the Kirkland Signature brand, which is carried by Costco stores across Canada.

It was also sold under the Safeway and Calahoo Meats brands in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C.

The agency said Monday there have been no reported illnesses linked to the product, which is being recalled voluntarily by Edmonton-based XL Foods.

The company said it is committed to food safety and recalled the meat even though it believes the risk of contamination is "very low."

The CFIA said it doesn't know exactly which stores -- or how many -- have been carrying the affected product.

Garfield Balsom, a CFIA food safety and recall specialist, said it's "hard to pinpoint" the quantity of beef being recalled, but noted it is "fairly substantive" given the product was distributed across the country.

Consumers wishing to know the exact products being recalled should visit the CFIA's website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Consumption of food contaminated with E. coli bacteria can cause serious, and even life-threatening illnesses.

Symptoms typically include severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.